Hesburgh discusses environment
By KIFLIN TURNER
News Writer
Father Theodore Hesburgh, University president emeritus, kicked off a discussion series that will begin the celebration of Earth Month 2000 at Notre Dame. The series addresses the problems and the solutions concerning environmental protection.
"The environment is such an enormous thing — it is the envelope in which we live," said Hesburgh.
He listed "the three great blessings we have for human life and existence" as water, land, and air. Together with the temperate climate, the water supply and the tilt to the sun, Hesburgh stated, "If you sat down and planned out a perfect planet, you could not do better." Hesburgh noted that "these conditions do not exist anywhere else as far as we know."
Society poses an increasing threat to clean air, water, and land, said Hesburgh.
"The gift God gave us is a world in equilibrium [that] we are destroying," he said.
According to Hesburgh, if this imbalance persists, and if we do not do something about the greenhouse-effect, we are going to deplete the Earth of its oxygen.
Air, one of the first necessities that Hesburgh mentioned, has come under heavy pressure and is suffering in quality.
"There are so many places on Earth where the air is unbreathable," Hesburgh said.
The pollution of water sources is the second factor that Hesburgh listed as fundamental to environmental proliferation.
"We have taken the second biggest requirement on Earth and managed to pollute ninety-seven percent of it," he said.
Preservation of land resources is another essential key in maintaining the stability of the environment. The U.S. provides a great portion of the world's agricultural supply, he said.
"We have the most beautiful farmland in the world and yet we are constantly taking land out of the agricultural production," said Hesburgh.
Hesburgh identified the rising generation as the first in recognizing the importance of environmental awareness.
"Your generation, I think, has finally gotten the message that the Earth is something we need to take care of," said Hesburgh.
The preservation of the environment, Hesburgh stated, "requires a study, a dedication, and requires a virtue of stewardship."
Despite current problems, the future of environmental awareness looks bright, according to Hesburgh.
"Somehow we can create a whole generation of people like yourselves to become models and send out leaders that face the enormous problem of the human race."
Hesburgh, in conjunction with the biology department has created a research station in Wisconsin, one that Hesburgh predicts will become the "premier research station in the world."
The station, named Land O' Lakes, provides a place to study nature in its pristine state, Hesburgh said. Containing twenty lakes, rivers and ancient forestry, 15 chosen biology majors will have the opportunity to study the environment.
"We have a wonderful lab with all the latest technology," said Hesburgh.
As a member of the National Science Foundation Board, Hesburgh helped to establish the atmospheric research lab in Boulder, Colorado, but noted that the immediate surroundings of the facility were highly polluted.
Hesburgh noted that the facility [has] "every kind of flora and fauna," and that together with the Wisconsin Conservation, the program can continue to preserve the research station.
"It is a wonderful atmosphere—the clean air and the fresh rain," Hesburgh said.
When recalling his own personal retreats at Land O' Lakes, Hesburgh spoke of the peace the region offers.
"I talk with great enthusiasm because it is what has kept me sane. When worse comes to worse, I can sneak up to the cabin."
Hesburgh also elaborated on his involvement in the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SATI). Hesburgh summarized the vastness of the universe, which may include possible life forms.
"It represents God's material creation. If God created that much material creation, who is to tell God, who created that much beauty in the world, that there are only two kinds of spiritual creation?" he said.
Hesburgh listed the existence of the soul and angels as the two types of spiritual creation. "God is omnipotent—he can do anything," added Hesburgh.
All News Stories for Wednesday, April 5, 2000
